Enlightenment Ideals and Belief in Progress in the Run-up to the Industrial Revolution: A Textual Analysis

Arbeitspapier

Using textual analysis of 173,031 works printed in England between 1500 and 1900, we test whether British culture evolved to manifest a heightened belief in progress associated with science and industry. Our analysis yields three main findings. First, there was a separation in the language of science and religion beginning in the 17th century. Second, scientific volumes became more progress-oriented during the Enlightenment. Third, industrial works—especially those at the science-political economy nexus—were more progress-oriented beginning in the 17th century. It was therefore the more pragmatic, industrial works which reflected the cultural values cited as important for Britain's takeoff.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: IZA Discussion Papers ; No. 16674

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Microeconomic Data; Data Access ; Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs: Other Computer Software ; Economic History: Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy: Europe: Pre-1913 ; Economic History: Manufacturing and Construction: Europe: Pre-1913 ; Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology ; Cultural Economics: Economics of the Arts and Literature
• Subject: language ; religion ; science ; political economy ; progressiveness ; Enlightenment ; industrial revolution

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Almelhem, Ali ; Iyigun, Murat ; Kennedy, Austin ; Rubin, Jared
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)
• (where): Bonn
• (when): 2023

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/282801
• Last update: 13.12.2025, 7:36 AM CET